The Influence of Religiosity and Contraception on the Likelihood of Abortion among Reproductive Age Women

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the influence of the three most frequently used methods of contraception (i.e., the hormonal pill, the male condom, and sterilization – male and female) on the likelihood of having an abortion among United States (US) reproductive age women (15-44). A second purpose is to determine the influence of Church attendance and importance of religion on the likelihood of having an abortion among US reproductive age women. Findings show the ever use of contraceptive methods increased the likelihood of abortion from 56% to more than 11 times and that frequent church attendance and those women who hold religion to be very important in their lives decreased the likelihood of abortion compared to women who were not religious and not on the three methods of contraception. Recommendations included supporting traditional religiosity that supports chastity, marriage, and family planning methods that integrate human sexuality